As we usher in the new year, many of us reflect on the previous month filled with festive gatherings and celebratory drinks at work parties. It’s a time when resolutions to reduce alcohol consumption emerge, often driven by health considerations and the desire to avoid being labeled as the office party animal. But what if I told you that regularly enjoying a drink could actually boost your career prospects? Let me share my insights with you, as someone who has navigated both binge drinking and sobriety throughout my life.
It’s no secret that abstaining from alcohol has its proven health benefits. Yet, there’s an interesting perspective worth exploring – the idea that social drinking can foster professional connections that are crucial for success in the workplace. Reflecting on my own experiences, I realized early in my career that building relationships is often more about who you share a drink with than solely about your qualifications or skills.
A recent study revealed that young professionals who engage in regular binge drinking tend to earn higher incomes and achieve greater career advancement compared to those who drink little or not at all. This finding makes me ponder whether the stereotype of the ‘jobless Gen Z’ may partly stem from their increasing inclination toward sobriety. Recent studies suggest that up to 25% of this generation chooses not to drink, which might lead them to miss out on valuable networking opportunities at work-related social events.
In my case, the path to a successful career in a competitive field can be traced back to countless evenings spent bonding over drinks with colleagues and superiors. I distinctly remember my first role at a magazine, where I was taken aback by the practice of hosting brainstorming sessions in pubs. This was two decades ago, long before it became politically incorrect, and it quickly dawned on me that alcohol played a pivotal role in breaking the ice and fostering creativity among team members.
Forget the usual workplace casual chats; if you wanted to transition a colleague into a friend, it was essential to meet at the local wine bar. I dedicated every Friday evening to unwinding in a cozy bar near the office, believing it was an indispensable component of my work life. Initially, I viewed invitations from coworkers as interruptions to my personal life. However, I soon realized that the relationships I cultivated during these outings were instrumental in my rapid promotions and salary increases—my income doubled within just three years.
Of course, talent and hard work are vital for success, but I couldn't ignore the unspoken truth that social drinking seemed to be the secret ingredient to career advancement. The friendships formed in that wine bar often led to recommendations for promotions or interviews down the line.
My next job at a newspaper revealed even more about the culture of drinking in the workplace. Older colleagues would fondly recall the days of whiskey at their desks, and while times had changed by the time I started, alcohol still flowed freely at work functions. Those who opted out were often perceived as somewhat dull, and though managers may shy away from admitting it, they tend to favor promoting individuals they genuinely enjoy working with. And what better way to bond than over a shared drink?
This phenomenon isn't limited to journalism; various industries, including business, law, and publishing, also encourage after-hours gatherings centered around drinking. I don’t advocate for excessive drinking, nor do I believe anyone should feel obligated to participate. Yet, having experienced both ends of the spectrum—being a heavy drinker and a teetotaller—I’ve noticed that those who refrain from drinking sometimes find it challenging to connect with others. Perhaps it's because those indulging feel judged, or maybe it’s simply a matter of being on different wavelengths. Unfortunately, being the designated sober one can often lead to feelings of exclusion.
If you're curious about the real happenings in your workplace, you’ll likely find that the bar is where all the juicy details are shared, not the conference room. After a few drinks, even the most reserved colleagues are prone to spill the beans about hiring decisions and salary negotiations.
Of course, there have been moments when the revelry crossed boundaries. I recall a male coworker who misread the situation, thinking he had a chance with me, despite both of us being in committed relationships. And there were instances of my boss engaging in questionable antics, like stealing cushions from a posh hotel bar. Regular hangovers took a toll on my productivity as well, although there’s no team-building experience quite like enduring a hangover together in the office—bonding over Berocca and bacon sandwiches.
When I transitioned to freelance work at age 31, I didn’t abandon my strategic approach to networking over drinks. In fact, I found myself needing to work harder to secure opportunities, so I made it a point to accept every invitation to socialize with former colleagues. The investment of buying rounds paid off significantly in terms of commissions, as a night out often kept me fresh in an editor's mind for upcoming projects.
However, the drinking culture I thrived in during my twenties seems to be fading, and I worry that today’s young professionals, facing a staggering unemployment rate of 16%, may be suffering as a result. The pandemic, alongside personal challenges like undergoing IVF treatments and pregnancies, limited my ability to keep drinking as a means of networking. Additionally, I never possessed the stamina to be the last woman standing at the bar. While my liver may have benefitted, my career possibly suffered in the process.
So, as you contemplate participating in Dry January, take a moment to reflect on how this decision might impact your career. That glass of wine you consider forgoing could very well be your secret advantage in the professional world.
